“I wanted to prove to myself that I could act without words” says Nimisha Vakharia about her role as Lakshmi Amma in Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama 

Mumbai: Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama has mesmerized audiences with its compelling stories of the legendary court poet and master strategist, brought to life by the talented Krishna Bharadwaj. In this new chapter, Tenali Rama embarks on a journey to reclaim his lost honor after being exiled from the kingdom.

Nimisha Vakharia returned as Lakshmi Amma, Tenali’s devoted mother. While she once guided his rise to fame, she also faced the pain of his downfall. Though she doesn’t speak, her expressions and gestures powerfully convey her support and determination. This time, her role isn’t just about shaping his future but standing by him as he fights to restore his honor.
In a candid conversation, Nimisha Vakharia shares her experiences and the complexities of portraying Lakshmi Amma, Tenali Rama’s popularity and more.

How has the role of Lakshmi Amma evolved in Tenali Rama?
When I took on this role, I only knew I was playing the hero’s mother—I never expected Lakshmi Amma to receive so much love. Since she doesn’t speak, I relied entirely on expressions and gestures while Sharda (Priyamvada Kant) conveyed her words. Initially, we weren’t sure if the audience would connect with this form of communication, but they embraced it wholeheartedly. This season, her fight is to restore Tenali’s lost honor, pushing him to reclaim his rightful place.

What role does Lakshmi Amma play in Tenali’s life and growth in this season?
Tenali was once the pride of Vijayanagar. After his exile, it became Lakshmi Amma’s mission to help him regain his status. She scolds him at times, but her love and unwavering belief in him never wavers. There’s a strong emotional core in their bond. No matter how much she disciplines him at home, she doesn’t tolerate anyone else insulting her son. She even takes on powerful figures like Tathacharya (Pankaj Berry). This season, despite all the hardships, she ensures that her son keeps fighting without losing hope.

What new aspects of her personality or journey will we see in this latest chapter of Tenali Rama?
This time, Lakshmi Amma faces the challenge of uplifting her son again. Even though he doesn’t express his pain, she understands it. Their mother-son bond is unique. A defining aspect of Lakshmi Amma’s character is her unwavering strength. No matter how much pain she feels, she never cries in front of Tenali. She knows that if she breaks down, he will too. Her resilience is his strength. 

Did you face any unique challenges while playing this role? How did you overcome them?
I accepted this role as a challenge. In my previous show, where I won awards, people appreciated my ability to improvise lines. But here, I have no dialogues—only actions. I wanted to prove to myself that I could act without words. Most actors memorize lines and perform. But for me, the challenge was different. I had to remember the script, determine the right expressions for every word, and ensure my lips didn’t move while my mind processed the dialogues. It requires immense focus and effort, but I am enjoying every bit of it.

Are there any key moments between Tenali and Lakshmi Amma that you feel will stand out for the audience? Tell us about your bonding with the cast.
One powerful scene stands out—Tenali comes home feeling defeated, unable to provide for his family. He sees that there is no food, yet Lakshmi Amma presents a meal, urging him to eat. When he insists that she eat too, she lies, saying she will eat later. He then realizes that she has been starving for his sake. The emotions in that moment were overwhelming. Despite performing such an intense scene, I had to remain strong onscreen. But the moment the shot ended I broke down. That’s the kind of chemistry we share. The bond between Tenali, Sharda, and me is truly special, both on and offscreen.

How has your experience working on Tenali Rama been different from your other projects?
This experience has been completely unique. Typically, actors memorize lines and perform, but here, every word must be translated into gestures. I have to think deeply about how to express each dialogue through body language alone. This is not something I had done before, and it required intense mental effort. I have always believed in living my characters, not just portraying them. Whether positive or negative, I immerse myself completely. Shifting between such contrasting roles is both challenging and fulfilling.